Smith's Girlfriend Speaks...

The girlfriend of singer songwriter Elliott Smith has spoken out over as-yet-only-implied allegations that she may have been responsible for her partner's tragic death last year. As previously reported, it was assumed depressive Smith had committed suicide last October. His girlfriend Jennifer Chiba, who discovered the body, reportedly told friends that less than an hour before his death Smith had threatened to kill himself. Used to melodramatic threats from her boyfriend Chiba ignored his remarks and took a shower - only to discover later he had stabbed himself.

However last week a coroner in US said police had not supplied sufficient evidence for him to conclusively conclude Smith's death was, in fact, suicide. A copy of the coroner's report surfaced on the Smoking Gun website on Thursday revealing various pieces of evidence that may suggest the singer's death was a case murder or manslaughter - and if that's the case Chiba is now suspect number one.

Among that evidence are small lacerations on Smith's palms which could have
been caused as the singer tried to defend himself against an attacker. The
medical examiner has also questioned why Smith's girlfriend removed the knife on finding the body, and questions her "subsequent refusal to speak with detectives". Following the Coroner's report last week police have said they will reopen their investigations into Smith's death.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Chiba said that although she had not been charged or questioned over these allegations, she felt that she was now a suspect in the court of public opinion. She continued: "Up until now I've chosen to remain silent because I want to maintain some sense of privacy for Elliott and his family and myself in this really difficult time. But I want people to know that I'm not keeping quiet because I have anything to hide. If I was a suspect, I would have heard from the investigators, for one thing. Another is that his sister and his parents and everyone close to him knows the truth, so I'm not worried about it."

Adding that she objected in particular to the accusation there has been a "refusal to speak with detectives" she said: "The media are just looking for some sort of sensationalistic angle that will sell their publications. In my mind, there's no question to what happened and there's no need to put that kind of spin on it".

Article comments

1 -
ribbet

Dec 08, 2004 at 1:24 pm

I think she is probably lying. it is impossible for someone to stab themselves twice in the heart. why else would she pull the knife out. maybe she can go hang out with courtney love on psycobitch island and then we can all forget about the bitches our musical heroes get involved with... i mean sid vicous had it right, the groupie is supposed to die first not the rockstar.... never trust portland chicks.. they are some scandelous hoes.

This [Deleted] killed him. Period, end of story. Even someone with no forensics or medical knowledge can read the facts and see a serious series of mishandled events. She's a murderer. [Deleted] Just another case of a gifted man being brought down [Deleted]

lev six - you seem to be either very angry or emotionally stunted or both. Chill it on the hate of women - you aren't doing anyone any favors. Neither is the girlfriend here, but that's obvious without your invective.

5 -
Pat

"Ambulance chaser" website? So, people that produce music albums and freelance writing are ambulance chasers? Do you even know that term means? You don't understand how uneducated and lost you sound by posting blatant lies. Anyone with an internet browser can see that it's a real site, which by the way has gotten more press and reknown than you and your entire [Deleted] tree will get in ten lifetimes. Jealous much? You clearly haven't studied the autopsy report. Secondly, the language I use or do not use does not effect reality. Take your puritanical bullshit to a P.C. gathering. "Ambulance chaser?" [Deleted] It's a record label and freelance writing site, [Deleted] Last time I checked, people write their names correctly on suicide notes and don't have defensive slashes on their arms. Give it a rest, and focus at the issue at hand, rather than lying about the contents of my url and becoming fixated on the usage of the word [Deleted] If you've ever had a loved one murdered or victimized by violence, maybe you'll understand why it evokes emotion -- particularly when the investigation was botched and it's full of holes and lies. Now, try focusing on the technical issues rather than diverting attention with your poorly written deceit.

7 -
Jonny

Mar 13, 2005 at 2:47 pm

Elliot Smith would not kill himself, at least i hope not...good man till the end

8 -
Tool Chaser

Mar 14, 2005 at 3:35 pm

I'd think she took the knife out because it's a pretty freaky sight to see someone lying there with a knife in his chest.

Nobody knows what happened except her and him so accept it.

[Deleted]

9 -
hanzanedoo

Mar 20, 2005 at 9:03 pm

i think it's horrible to assume that she killed him just based of the newspaper articles we read. what happened to elliot was terrible, but given his history of drug addiction and depression it is not hard to assume that he did indeed inflict his own wounds. how do you stab yourself twice in the heart? you don't die immediately, in fact according to reports elliot didn't die until an hour after the ambulance came. and, the fact that an ambulance was called while elliot was alive is in jennifer's favor.
i don't know what happened, but i think calling her a [Deleted] is horrible, and judgemental.
but then, i'm in teh innocent until proven guilty boat.

10 -
Jen

Apr 27, 2005 at 3:36 pm

Um, and he DIDN't spell his name "elliot" on the suicide note, Pat. If you paid attention at all to this story, the coroner's office ADMitted to the typo in their report that the note said "elliot" - it was their typo, which means the note really said "elliott" . sheesh.

I am such a tool that I have an IQ that is higher than anyone in your genetically misfired tree over the past thousand years. "Tool" is such a creative term. Where did you get that one? I think the last time I heard that was from fraternity sweatshirt wearing kettle assed mongrels.

Are you an art major?

Unlike you and the vast majority of the population, I have been deeply immersed in music and its peripheral bullshit for many years. What I have stated is based upon sound science and fact. I really appreciate your armchair warrior stance, but really, you're a prime example of a mindless kook that likes to puff out their textual chest at any given opportunity. I have accomplished more in ten years than your entire family tree. Yes, I can guarantee that fact, simpleton. Just leave your album title or any other pertinent information within your brilliant comment. Get a clue.

Go find a little Laqueesha, settle down and make yourself happy, [Deleted] I[Deleted]

How do I know this?

I performed in the same circles as him for many years, [Deleted] Hit me up directly, brain surgeon, before you spout off further and make yourself look even more brilliant than you already are.

Hey, everyone. I'm not looking to get into the ongoing war, just wanted to offer a celebratory blog on Mr. Smith's life. Check out the tribute blog and hopefully we can remember the positives in dudeman's life. Because quite frankly, no matter how confusing or uncertain his death was, the guy's music was bigger than this, agreed? And so we should be. Just my thoughts, take them for what they are.
Rich

13 -
Pat

Aug 01, 2005 at 1:40 pm

This is in response to JEN. I paid attention to several sources where it was quoted that the name was spelled wrong. If you have something to add and clarify that is fine and good, that what a forum like this is for. Making a comment about my paying attention is out of place. So take your sheesh and double it. Is your last name Chiba or something?

14 -
spencer

Aug 16, 2005 at 1:53 am

he did it. i know he did. she would never do that.

15 -
feline

Aug 30, 2005 at 9:56 pm

I personally do think this was a murder, and that Jennifer Chiba is the number one suspect. But all this talk of "bloodsucking bitches who get involved with gifted men"?? OK. It does seem like that in pop culture. But permit me to make this argument: Maybe if females weren't encouraged to be no more than groupies and accessories to "gifted men" and were instead encouraged to develop their musical/artistic gifts themselves, they wouldn't become "psychobitches" whose jealousy and/or low self esteem and/or pathetic groupie-ness CAUSES them to bloodsuck the "gifted male"??

Being female is hell, but there is a way out: Live like a person, not like a gender.

16 -
emily

Sep 01, 2005 at 10:14 pm

its so saddening, he died alone with no one to comfort him.. in a way i almost hope it was a murder because i hate to imagine his state of mind he was in and how lonely i know he was-- what a last resort, it's one of the most painful ways you can go out. but it doesn't make sense to say that he killed himself when he was a. clean b. he had defensive lacerations on his hands and arms. c. the wounds were straight and precise, both of them. if you stab yourself once, and then take the knife out and stab yourself again, it wouldn't be precise; you would be weak and very unsteady. so i believe someone killed him.. but i could never point a finger at someone because what a raw feeling it would be to end up punishing someone for a crime they never committed (falsely accused of). but i can see how if jennifer did kill him, she would panic and call an ambulance and it is a perfect way to cover up finger prints on the knife by saying that you pulled the knife out that he injected on his own.

17 -
carol

Sep 03, 2005 at 6:57 pm

lev six i think that you are a joke. because i think you just like gossip why would jen do that [Deleted]

18 -
Plainclothes

Oct 27, 2005 at 5:51 pm

You guys should really chill. In the end, all we know for sure is that Elliott died from a knife wound. No one can say what the hell happened.
As for blaming Jennifer Chiba, who knows? If she did do it, why'd she do it?
And there isn't enough evidence to even prove she did it.

Just leave him alone. You guys are just producing more angst for Elliott's fans and family members.
And you same people who are bashing and insist that Jennifer did it are probably the same people who led to the suicide/murder.

The media's idiot responses tend to drive celebrities/artists' deaths quicker.
Thank you all, so much, for killing off one of the most beautiful and truthful artists we had.
[Deleted]

19 -
fumanchu

Dec 04, 2005 at 7:59 am

off course both Cobain and Smith did it themselves. How can you explain the "defensive wounds" ? Smith was a man, not so slim and weak, and if you suppose the girl had attacked him, how can you imagine that he'd been unable to stop her ? Total nonsense.

20 -
Bloodspeaker

Dec 20, 2005 at 7:26 am

I sat with Elliot after a show he did here in seattle some years back. He played with Grandaddy. We sat for over an hour just chatting about life, music, and Portland. The one thing that was very clear was that he had a lot of sadness in his life. Now I in no way intend to intimate that an hour or so is enough to get a handle on this mans mind, but everyone is familiar with his drug use. We all know about the depression. it is possible that Elliott cared more for making it all go away then whether or not we would feel robbed of his gift. if she did it she will rot in hell for this heinous act. If he did it it was his choice and he doesnt owe anyone an explanation for it. I guess my question is why all the anger from the fans? We all were allowed a glimpse into something beautiful. That never lasts forever. Thank whoever you believe in that we atleast got that and chill.

I am a "bitch". You are very eloquent. I can tell that you are an English major. I am playing the devil's advocate. I think that people are too ready to discount one story or another. It is important to keep the dead man's side alive, even if it is unlikely. The vast majority of you have not done your homework, but I'd expect nothing less from internet warriors. Write me directly, please, and approach it with a scientific and logical intention. Otherwise, keep on throwing slander toward blog commentary pages. You're well suited for it! For the simpleton that felt the need to throw Cobain into the mix...HA HA HA! I know more than you ever will about his case. I have no desire to prove myself so why would I post it to "xxtotalxxhardcorexx"?? It's a private ordeal. My informed OPINION is that I think Elliot was stabbed by someone other than himself. That is my opinion. I am sorry that it evokes such homicidal anger within you. [Deleted in line with BlogCritics Comments Policy. Comments Editor]

So this site isn't about free speech? Why do I constantly have sentences deleted here? I am sure they will delete this too. I strongly recommend that people avoid this forum as you will be censored. I was attacked repeatedly but if you can read and look above those sentences remain. What gives? It's a double standard. It is the reason why I will never, ever come to this site again and why I will influence thousands and thousands of people to never use this site.

When's the book burning festival?

If any of you simpletons looked at the autopsy there were DEFENSIVE WOUNDS on his forearms. How does that occur? [Deleted] Ok, see you all later...the IQ level here is very intimidating.

Lev Six

LEV: On your next visit, take a moment to visit the Blogcritics Comments Policy, then you will understand why a certain amount of "refining" of this thread was done. NOBODY wants to prevent you making your opinion known, not at all, but we do like to try to maintain a focus on the subject not the vessel, OK? Comments Editor]

I don't pretend to know squat about what happened, but I just wanted to say that people in a deep depression are sometimes fully capable of suicide even though others could never imagine they would be. But defensive wounds don't sound good for the girlfriend either.

24 -
Stevie Wonderbread

Mar 11, 2006 at 7:20 pm

poor mr smith i r very not happy r u? this individual occurance is quite very sadness filled and oh how it affects other occurances.

um wasn't elliot smith a football guy? I didn't know he played songs and sang music too at the same time?

thats so impressive but i r very sadnesss filled from the occurance. k bi

25 -
nicola

Mar 31, 2006 at 8:57 am

I don't think they are 'defensive wounds' as it is widely known that Elliott self-harmed. Also how can people not believe that he would kill himself? Suicide is mentioned in his songs, he jumped off a cliff and has tried to overdose many times... it all points to suicide to me